Need help with planning a November trip to HI

Question

Hello! My husband and I have just decided to visit HI in November and need help with the planning as nothing has been decided. We will be flying from Seattle and are open to any week in November. We like a laid back experience , easy walkability to dining options (we’re not fancy), beachfront or close proximity, beautiful surroundings in our lodging area and on the island. We like smaller towns/villages to explore. We also like a simple itinerary as we older but have zero mobility issues. We’d also like a kitchen or kitchenette because we bring leftovers “home.” We don’t have a set budget as we know we’ll have to flex to get what we want but we are fairly frugal. Maybe $200-$300 a night?

Answer

For a November trip to Hawaii from Seattle with your preferences—laid back, walkable towns, beachfront or near the beach, beautiful surroundings, and lodging with a kitchen or kitchenette—here’s a detailed guide to help you plan a simple and enjoyable trip.

Island Selection:

Maui: West Maui towns like Lahaina and Kaanapali offer walkable streets, dining options, and beaches nearby. Kihei on the south shore is quieter, has great beaches, and more vacation rentals with kitchens in your price range.
Kauai: Poipu on the south shore has a small-town feel with beachfront access, easy walks to shops and casual dining, and many condos or vacation rentals with kitchens. Princeville and Hanalei on the north shore are scenic, more laid back, and excellent for exploring small towns.
Big Island: Kailua-Kona on the west coast has walkable areas, restaurants, and beaches nearby. Waikoloa Beach Resort has condos with kitchens and pool access. The Big Island offers a mix of volcanic landscapes, beaches, and small town charm.

Lodging Suggestions:

Look for vacation rentals or condo resorts rather than traditional hotels. Airbnb and VRBO are excellent resources; booking directly through the rental agency can sometimes provide extra flexibility and support.
Focus on properties labeled “beachfront” or “near the beach,” with amenities including a kitchen or kitchenette. Pools are a nice bonus but not necessary if the beach is easily accessible.
For Maui and Kauai, many properties in Kihei, Lahaina, Poipu, or Princeville fall in your $200–$300 per night range in November, which is a slightly off-peak time for travel and can offer good deals.

Sample Itinerary Ideas:

Spend 3–4 days in one town to relax and enjoy the beach, walkable dining, and local shops.
Consider a short scenic drive for a day trip: Maui’s Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, or exploring Upcountry Maui. On Kauai, the Na Pali Coast lookout, Waimea Canyon, or Hanalei Bay are beautiful and low-effort walks.
Keep activities flexible and light: short beach walks, small hikes, or scenic drives with multiple photo stops.
Reserve one special experience like a snorkel tour, sunset cruise, or helicopter ride if desired.

Travel Tips:

November is generally less crowded, but flights from Seattle may still vary—flexibility in dates can help you get the best fares.
Renting a car is recommended for Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island to access beaches, small towns, and scenic areas.
Pack layers for varying temperatures, especially for early mornings at higher elevations or breezy coastal areas.
Grocery shopping is easy at island markets, so having a kitchen or kitchenette allows you to enjoy simple meals, leftovers, or snacks.

In summary, for a relaxed, walkable, scenic, and frugal November trip with kitchen-equipped lodging, consider Maui (Kihei or Lahaina), Kauai (Poipu or Princeville), or the Big Island (Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa). Focus on a single location for most of your stay with one or two light day trips to minimize stress while maximizing beach time, small-town exploration, and enjoyment of Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Need help with planning a November trip to HI

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